Sound-reproducing device



Nov. 13, 1928.

' T. A." HARRIS SOUND REPRODUCING DEVICE Filed Jan. 8, 1927 k vINVENTOR BY; F

hi ATTORNEY Patented Nov. 13, 1928.

UNITED STATES THEODORE A HARRIS, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

sounn-nnrnonucme DEVICE. v I

Application-filed January 8, 1927. Serial No. 159,795.

My present invention relates generally to sound reproducing devices, and has particular reference to a devicedesigned for joint employment with a phonograph and an independent energy source such as a radio.

. It has been found desirable from various standpoints to associate radios with phonographs, and it is one object of the present invention to provide a device which will render this mutual association moreintiniate and at the same time highly eiiicient'and economical. j

Briefly, my invention contemplates the provision of .a device wherein a single diaphragm may be employed selectively either as the diaphragm which is responsive to the impressions of a honograph record, or as the diaphragm which is responsive to the energy. fluctuations of a radio reproducing unit. More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device wherein the diaphragm which is normally associated with the usual phonograph sound box may itself be rendered responsive to the source of energy transmitted by a radio or similar device.

One feature of my invention lies in providing a device which comprises, in part, a phonographsound box of substantially ordinary construction and arrangement,- this sound box being normally useable by itself in theusual manner; andwhich comprises a reproducing unit typified by the usual electromagnetic radio units, the last mentioned unit being so constructed and arranged, and being so associated with the sound box that thediaphragm of -the latter may under desired circumstancesbe madeto serve as the diaphragm of the radio unit.

It is a feature of my invention to provide a mutual arrangement o f-sound box and radio unit wherein these elements are relatively movable or adjustable, and wherein means are provided for causing the removable association hereinbefore mentioned. I

.In one "form of the invention, I may advantageously provide a vibratable element.

. in the form of a pin or the like in associaevent, the sound box diaphragm may be provided with means for removably' receivtion with the radio unit; and in such an ing-said pin in much the same manner that'- sitional relation with respect to the sound. I

box thata predetermined movement of the latter will bring the sound box and the unit into close proximity; means being provided for thereupon causing the desired removable association. between the unit and the sound box.

In other forms of the invention, the radio unit is associated with the sound box in such a manner as to be normally carried with the latter as the sound box is employed in its usual manner with phonograph records. 'In embodiments of this chara.c ter, means are provided for permitting normal dissociation of the unit and the sound box, while at the same time rendering it possible to removably associate the radio unit in the desired'manner with the diaphragm of the sound box.

Other objects of my invention lie-in the provision ofa simple, rugged, yet highly eflicient device whose manufacture is inexpensive and whose manipulation requires no particular skill; With these objects in view, certain features of my invention liein the particular arrangement and construction of partswhich render the device as a whole compact, of good appearance, devoid of complicated and unnecessary parts, and

reliable and efiicient in operation.

For the attainment of the foregoing ob I jects and such other objects as may hereinafter appear or be pointed out, I have il.-' lus'trated several forms of my invention in the accompanying drawings in which- .Fig. 1 is a plan- View of. a phonograph view of a-portion of the device shown in.

tone arm associated with a phonograph de-..

Fig. 1; parts of the phonograph sound box I so in Fig. 3;

being broken away for the sake of clearness; Fig. 3 is a front elevational view similar to Fig. 2 showing a modification; a portion of this Figure being broken away to reveal the interior;

Fig. 4c is a plan that I have shown a phonograph device of.

usual construction, including side walls 10, a cover or table 11 a rotatable record support 12, and a phonograph tone arm 13. The latter has been shown as emanating from an opening 14 in one corner of tlie table 11,

and as being pivotal about this corner for the purpose of permitting the sound box 15 to travel in a radial direction with respect to the turntable 12.

In accordance with the present invention, I provide a radiounit 16 in fixed, association with the phonograph device, theparticular embodiment of Fig. 1 showing a radio unit mounted adjacent to the righthand side wall 10 with the conducting wires 17 extending rearwardly and thence down through the table 11 to the radio device proper. I

The unit 16 is so mounted that a swinging movement of the tone arm 13 into a position substantially indicated by dotted lines will bring the sound box 15 into relat-ively'close proximity, and in fact axial alignment, with the unit 16. It may be briefly noted at this point that in accordance with my invention. the sound box 15 and the tone arm 13 may be normally employed in'their usual manner, but may when desired be swung into the dotted line position wherein a removable association may be made between the sound box 15 and the unit 16.

Referring now to Fig. 2, it will be observed that I have shown a sound box embodying a'diaphragm 18 which may be of any usual type and construction; this diaphragm being mounted and supported in a usual manner. Securely attached to the mid-point of the diaphragm 18 is a lever arm 19 associated at its outer end with a needle receptacle 20 of usual construction. In the positional relation shown in Fig. 2, the sound box 15 has been rotated about its axisto position the needle receptacle 2O upwardly, the latter being illustratively shown as containing a regular phonograph needle 21 held in position by means of a set screw or the like 22.

At its inner end, the lever 19 is integral with, or rigidly associated with an axial portion which is soldered or similarly fixed to the center portion of the diaphragm 18. This axial portion. is provided with ,a cup shaped receptacle 23similar to the receptacle 20 but having its opening aligned with the axis of the diaphragm. This receptacle 23 may be provided with a set screw 2% ,or the like, and is preferably provided with will vibrate axially when the radio unit 16.

is set into operation for electrically transmitting sound.

Reference to Fig. 2 will show how the outwardly projecting element 25 may be securely positioned within the receptacle 23. This positioning may be made to take place by. simply swinging the tone arm, 13 into the position which axially aligns the vibrating element 25 and the diaphragm 18. The flaring construction of the opening in the receptacle 23 will prevent accidental breakage of the projecting element 25, in case the tone arm is swung with too great violence. or in case the contemplated axial alignment has become maladjusted.

Although I have shown a sound box which is rotatable about its axis for the purpose of removing the needle 21 from proximity with the turn-table 12, nevertheless it will be understood that as to certain phases of my invention, the employment of such a sound box is not essential. Vhatever the character of the sound box, it will be clear that the radio unit 16 will have a positional mounting and relationship so that the association between the element 25 and the receptacle 23 maybe rendered possible. It will also be understood thatif desired, the receptacle 23 may be mounted upon the element 25, in which case aycorrespondingpin or needle will be integrally associated with the diaphragm 18.

In Figs. 3 and 4, I have shown a modified form of the invention wherein the radio unit is arranged and constructed to travelwith the sound box during thenormal utilization of the latter. I have shown a radio unit 26 axially aligned with a sound box 27, and mounted within an outwardly extended skirt or sleeve 28 carried by the sound box. The mounting of the radio unit 26 may advantageously be made in such a manner as to permit axial movement of the unit with respect to the sound box '27. It will be observed that I have shown an inclined slot 29 provided in the sleeve 28, and a pin 30 carried by the unit 26 and extending outwardly through the slot 29. I have also shown a i 35 The disc 35 lies in'a hand'grip or knob 31 carried by the unit 26, and it will be obvious that rotation of the knob 31 will cause the walls of the slot 29 to effect an inward axial movement of the unit 26.

In this form, I have shown a cup-shaped receptacle 32 associated with an element or pin 33 extending outwardly from the unit 26. The receptacle 32 corresponds to the receptacle 23 of Fig. 2, and the projecting element 33 will be rigidly assoc'ated with a vibratable armature, thefisame as the element 25 of Fig. 2. I have also shown'a set screw 34 corresponding to the set screw 24 but of longer construction to permit its manipulation from theexterior of the sleeve 28.

The employment of the device shown in Figs. 3 and 4 will be understood from the description given. A slight adjustment of the set screw 34, and a mereturning of the knob 31 will either separate or mutually as sociate the diaphragm of the sound box 27 and the vibratable pin 33 of the radio unit 26. Suitable counterbalancing means (not shown) may. be provided for compensating.

for the added weight of the unit 26 when the sound, box is employed in usual association "with phonograph records.

In Figs. 5, 6, and -7 I have illustrated a :50 modified form whereinthe relative movement of the radio unit is one which is arouate rather than axial. In this form I have provided a substantially flat locking disc 35 in integral association with the diaphragm 36.

aliel to the diaphragm 36, and isprovided with a keyhole slot 37. The disc is prefering outwardly from'the axial portion 39 which is fixedly associated with the diaphragm 36. I

. In this embodiment, the'radio unit is pivotally supported at one side "thereof, .as

' shown at 40 in Fig. 6. Almost diametrically opposite to the pivotal support is an exten-- sion '41 terminating in a pin 42' which extends outwardly "through a slot 43 in ail enclosing sleeve 44. The latter sleeve corresponds substantially to the sleeve 28 of Figs. 3.and 4, and by threading the-pin 42 and mounting thereon a knurled nut-45 of greater diameter than thewidth of the slot in either of two. extreme pivotal positions.

In this form of the inventiomthe projecting element 46 which corresponds to the elements 25 and 33 previously described,'terminates in a pair of spaced and juxtaposed wedging enlargements 47. The diameters of the latter are smaller. than the diameter of the largest. portion of the slot '37, Whereas the space between them is substantially equal to the thickness of the disc 35. By manipulation of the nut-45, the radio unit may be plane'substantially par.

43, it ispossible to'position the radio unit .ticular advantage to radio users.

one thereof, the enlargements 47 will frictionally engage the disc 35 and the association between the unit and the diaphragm will be complete. In the other position the enlargements 47 will lie free within. the large portion of the slot-37 and the diaphragm will then be vibratable independent- 1y of the radio unit.

. The slot 37 is preferably so arranged that the weight of the radio unit itself will position the enlargements '47 in their proper places. Thus, when the sound box has been turned up as in Fig. 6, with the phonograph needle at the top, fixed association between the projection 46 and the diaphragm 36 will normal usage of the phonograph diaphragm,

the'pin 42 Willagain lie at the bottom of the slot 38'. In this way, the nut 45 will be compelled to do a minimum of work, and will not have to function to support the radio unit against its own weight.

It will thus be seen that I have shown a device which-is extremely simple, yet highly desirable,compact, and efficient. Thev several embodiments havebeen shown for purposes of illustration, and I'do not mean to limit myself to any particular form except in so far as I may be compelled to do so by prior art ofwhich I. am not now aware. In its essence, it will be observed that my invention resides in the employment of the usual phonograph diaphragm as the diaphragm which maybe made to respond to the energy variations of the radio unit. My invention provides means for accomplishing this purpose in a simple and expeditious manner, no manipulations'other than the mere turning or adjusting of a set screw or the like being necessary.

The numerous advantages of my construction need hardly be pointed out,'a great savi-ng being effected by the mere elimination .of any separateradio diaphragm itself.

Furthermore. the advantages of the usual radio purposes, and particularly where the horn isof the newly developed long type at present considered highly desirable, the em ployment of my'invention will be of par-I It' will be understood that'the unit typi .fiedby' the units 16, 26, etc.., may under cerphonograph horn are renderedavaiIabl-e for trated for the purpose of explaining the nature of my invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in theappended claims. It is therefore intended that these details be interpreted asillustrative and not in a limit in sense.

Ilaving thus described my invention and" illustrated its use, what claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is- 1. In a device of the'character described, in combination, a pivotal phonograph tone arm, a sound box carried by theend thereof and including a' vibratable diaphragm, an 1ndependent reproducing unit including a vibratable element, said unit being so mount- I ed and positioned as (a) to permit normal utilization of the tone arm and sound box and (b) to be encountered by the sound box after a predetermined pivotal movement of the tone arm, and means for removably securing the diaphragm and the vibratable element together when said encounter has been eifected.

2 In a device of the character described, in combination, a pivotal phonograph tone arm, a sound box carried by the end thereof and including a vibratable diaphragm, an independent reproducing unit including a vibratable element, said unit being so mountedand positioned as (a) to permit normal utilization of the tone arm and sound box and (7)) to be, encountered by the sound box after a predetermined pivotal movement of the tone arm, and means for removably securing the diaphragm and thevibratahle element together when said encounter has been effected, said means including complementary fastening elements carried by the diaphragm and the element respectively and positioned so as to permit cooperation thereof'aftcr said encounter has been effected.

3. In a device of the character described, a pivotally mounted phonograph tone arm, a sound box'carried at the end thereof and including a vibratable diaphragm, an attaching portion carried by and extending outwardly from the center of the .dia

phragm, and an independent reproducing unit responsive to electrically transmitted sound and including a vibratable pin, said unit being so positioned and mounted with respect to said tone arm that when the latter is swung in a predetermined manner the pin will be brought into substantial alignment and encounter with said attaching portion. 4. In a device of the character described, I

in combination, a movable phonograph tone arm, a sound box carried thereby and including a vibratahle diaphragm, an independent reproducing unit including a vibratable element, said unit being ,so-mounted and positioned as (a) to permit normal utilization of the tone arm and sound box,

and (b) to be approached by the sound box after a predetermined movement of the tone arm, and means for removably securing the diaphragm and the vibratable element together when said approach has been effected.

5. In a device of the character described, in combination, a movable phonograph tone arm, a sound box carried thereby and includ ing a vibratable diaphragm and a needle arm associated therewith, an independent reproducing unit including a vibratable element, said unit being so mounted and posi. tioncd as (a) to permit normal utilization of the tone arm and sound box, andtb) to be approached by the sound box after a predetermined movement of the tone arm, and means for removably securingsaid needle arm and said vibratable element to one another when said approach has been effected.

6. In a device of the character described, in combination, a movable phonograph tone arm, a sound box carried thereby and including a vibratable diaphragm and a needle arm associated therewith, an independent reproducing unit including a vibratable element, said unit being so mounted and positioned as (a) to permit normal utilization of the tone arm and sound box, and (b) to be approached by the sound box after a predetermined movement of the tone arm, and means for removably securing said needle arm and said vibratable element to clamping device for securely holding the pin within said sleeve.

In witness whereof, I have signed this specification this 29 day of December, 1926.

THEODORE A. HARRIS. 

